Leather Saddle Made for 'Circling the Globe' on Bike

It’s not racy, light, or fast. But it is quite beautiful, at least as far as bike seats go. The handmade World Traveller B17 from Brooks is an exclusive leather saddle featuring a motif influenced by a 1920’s artist.

Its full name, the 2012 World Traveller B17 Limited Edition, pays honor to Brooks’ relationship with the WCR Grand Tour, a competitive bike race that this year kicked off in February where cyclists attempt to circumnavigate the globe.

The company says the new saddle, which costs a hefty €250, was dreamt up to “celebrate covering long distances by bike.” The 1920’s image, stamped into the leather, shows a heavily-laden cyclist pedaling across the globe.

Under the leather top you’ll find chromed-copper steel rails and frame. And in true Brooks fashion, it’s all held together with hammered copper rivets. Like all Brooks saddles, the hard leather conforms to your anatomy over time, resulting in a custom fit.

But you don’t need to sign up for the WCR to buy it. The B17 is built for riding long distances anywhere, from your home town to a 25,000+ mile trip around Earth.

—T.C. Worley